I'm considering changing my business name. I have had my current name for only a few months (not even 6) and have not booked any clients under this name or built much of a following. My branding is solid but the name just feels wrong for what I'm pursuing, my short and long term goals, and what I want my clients to feel when we work together. I'm thinking of this new name as my business name and keeping my current name for my shop I'm opening in a few months. Other than refining my design elements, my brand would remain pretty much the same (colors, photography, etc.). Would this be bad for my overall brand for my business?

Only one column this week (because, sigh, #reallife), but we're tackling two questions from readers today that cover some similar ground!

Here's the first question, from I.M.:

I'm a 24 year old designer with 5 years of actual work experience. I'm entering that stage where I'd like to start finding my own personal clients for my side gig and I'm finding it difficult. I'd like pointers on how to put myself out there (apart from the web) and how to approach people whom I think I can help. I've seen so many cute local businesses popping up where I'm from (Puerto Rico) and I'd love to be able to offer some of these businesses my expertise!

And here's another variation, from T.F.:

How do you promote and sell your brand and products to potential clients?

What do you do if after talking to a client, you find out they aren't the right fit... either their business morally doesn't align with you, there are red flags, or you aren't as interested? My gut is telling me this might happen with a future call with a potential client. Not sure why, but I hate writing those emails that we aren't a good fit. It seems like a slap in the face somehow!